Weekly tip #2 - Sports Bra Fitting

Securing your Workout

Without the proper support, sensitive breast tissue can tear and cause irreversible damage. Just like in a pair of shoes, the materials in a sports bra will wear out with use. When your bra celebrates a birthday, it might be time to retire it to low impact activities.

Good breast health requires proper support for your unique size and shape. What works for Mary in a size 34B will surely be a disaster for Ellie who wears a 40DD. Here are some quick tips and considerations for your next sports bra!

First off, don’t be shy to ask a SunRunStore sales associate for help. They will be more familiar with the products and make your fitting process more efficient.

Having a clear idea of what you are looking for in a bra and what type of physical activity it will be used for is critical.

When shopping, make sure you give yourself enough time. Rushing through a bra fit will leave you frustrated and walking away with the wrong fit!

When trying on bras, don’t be afraid to try different cup sizes. Most brands fit differently depending on their style and your individual body type.

Mimic the activities you plan on doing. If the bra chafes, allows excessive movement, rides up, or gapes under the arm, keep trying!

A proper fitting sports bra should fit more snug than a regular lingerie bra.

Breasts should be contained completely within the bra cups, with no overflow.

Underwire bras should sit next to the rib cage, directly below the breast tissue.

With a properly fitted sports bra, you should be able to slip two fingers snugly between the band and the skin, as well as under the strap at the top of the shoulders.

Bra Tops and Shelf Bras

Both bra tops and shelf bras are designed for low impact activity. A bra top is a basic shelf bra that is sewn into a tank. Although sizing varies from extra small to extra-large, they will not provide maximum support for a cup size larger than B.

Support & Shape Bras

Support and shape bras are designed for medium to high impact. A wide range of supportive features includes; thicker straps, underwire, adjustable clasps, and racer back design. These types of bras range from A to DD, and sometimes E. The Juno by Brooks (formerly Moving Comfort) offers shape, support and sizes up to an E cup.

Compression and Full Motion Control Bras

Compression Bras are designed to firmly hold the breasts against the body and are ideal for high impact activities.

The Fiona bra by Brooks has adjustable front closure Velcro straps, interior molded cups, and sizes ranging from 30B to 44DD. This versatile bra has been a hit with nursing mothers front accessible closures!

Some bras with full encapsulation and compression have underwire and are higher cut in the neckline to provide maximum support. These types of bras are best suited for women with cup sizes larger than a B.

The Brooks Maia Bra features a seam-free cup, thick adjustable straps and a seamless look under t-shirts.